2010 at Patoka

[Ranger5Smallie]

Surprised no one else has said anything but it was nice to see Patoka for the 2010 classic site.  I dont know the fishery but it should be a good time!

[thedude]

patoka has some big fish and lots of water, should be able to time it right for them. It'll be a totally different fishing experience for the average michigan angler as well!

[Cy]

What the hell is a Patoka!! 

Or maybe where is a better question?

[thedude]

southern indiana

[dartag]

looks like south Ind.   about 450 miles from my house.    

N38 26.011 W86 40.188

[LGMOUTH]

 Yes it is about an hour south of Indianapolis.

[Fishmael]

I fished it in the weekend series regional about 3 years ago.  It poured about 3" per day for two days and had rained like that for the two before we started.  I can tell you that Patoka does not fish well with muddy, rising water in the middle of a cold front moving in...That was a long drive for very few bites. 

[thedude]

i've heard that when the water is up there it really kills the fishing also.... However, of all the lakes in IN that will give up 8 to 9lb fish, thats probably the top of the list or darn close to it. If the fish are in the last stages of pre-spawn or on beds, you will see a few 6 and 7lbers weighed in.

[Lip_Ripper]

I'd spend the money, and gas and go to Kentucky lake before I'd go to patoka. Anglers are gonna find it to be a tiny bit better than Ohio River!!!!!!

[Genie]

I loved the Ohio

[LGMOUTH]

Me too   

[MadWags]

Judging from the past 2 classics, I'm betting on the rain

[VinceR]

And I'm betting that, "rain or shine", I won't be there.

[djkimmel]

I've always wanted to try it, but so far have only made it on Monroe once. I recall an event where an angler weighed in two 8 pounders from 35 feet of water (that was the story)!! So it must be earlier in the year this year?

At Monroe, there was a shop close by that had a wall full of picture of huge bass including a lot of 10 pounders. I'll make it back one of these days and try Patoka.

[Rickm]

Hey LGMOUTH if you get the hankern to fish a tx down here on Wylie this fall or winter let me know I'll set something up. I'm just starting to constintly get a few decent fish. A little more work I should have about a dozen good spots. The water is down to 64 dgs now fishing is just getting good again

[squid]

Me too   

WOW...great picture Don.....The guy who took that was really good with the camera...point and shoot....lol

[Eric]

I have never fishied anyplace that had so many big fish weighed in, but at the same time I have never fished anyplace that there were so few fish weighed in.  I think there were 3 limits in 3 days, but several 6 pounders each day, and 1 7.  It seems like they are 4 pounds when they hatch there.

[djkimmel]

I've wondered that same thing...?? That might be why there aren't as many, but they are all big?!?

[rufus]

I am no Patoka expert, but have fished it several times. Yes, there are some big fish in that lake, but it also has a decent population. The 15 inch size limit is a little hard to overcome sometimes out there. When the water is stable and clear it has many ways to fish it. The main lake has large flats and point with weedbeds, it fishes very similar to a natural lake. Many of the creeks have standing timber in them. The river is dirtier and full of stumps, timber, and laydowns. It is a very diverse fishery that gets very tough at times. The fish are in there, believe me when I say that. It also has a limited population of smallies. It seems there has been a couple weighed in everytime I have been there. I once caught 3 in one day. Patoka is much better than the Ohio River so don't expect miles of fishless water. I don't know what time of year you are there, but bring a lot of worms (black, tequila sunrise) up to 10" (maybe 12") and jigs. God Bless and Good Luck!